Stop mechanism for typewriters



April 11, 1939. J, oc 2,153,630

STOP MECHANISM FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed May 20, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l April 11, 1939.

J. F. KOCA STOP MECHANISM FOR TYPEWRI TERS Filed May 20, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 11, 1939. KOCA 2,153,630

STOP MECHANISM FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed May 20, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I} Ill I E II 'WH" H" l 'mll' lml' h HHHM I"H'HII April 11, 1939.

J. F. KQCA STOP MECHANISM FOR, TYPEWRITERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 20. 1955 Jamaimcw Patented Apr. 11, 1939 UNITED STATES 2,153,630 STOP MECHANISM FOR TYPEWBITEBS James F. Koca, Woodstock, 111., assignor to Woodstock Typ w r C mpany, Woodstock, 111., a corporation oi Illinois Application May 20, 1935, Serial No. 22,800

11 Claims. (01. 191-179) This invention relates to typewriters and particularly to an attachment for typewriters. More specifically, the invention relates to key controlled stop mechanism for typewriters to stop the movement of the carriage at predetermined positions.

An important object of the invention is the provision of novel key controlled stop depressing mechanism, the provision of novel key controlled carriage release mechanism and the provision of an element disposed in the path of a stop and controlled by the same mechanism which releases thecarriage to engage the stop and prevent movement of the carriage at predetermined spaced intervals.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of means whereby the movement of the carriage to the left is retarded upon depression of a tabulator key lever.

A further object of the invention is to provide a typewriter which is provided with stop mechanism and stop depressing mechanism,, each controlled by a separate key and adapted for 00-- operation with other stops on a bar whereby a stop may be depressed by a key and aco-operating stop will operate thereagainst to limit the movement of the carriage to the left upon release of the carriage escapement mechanism.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a rod carrying a plurality of stops which are mounted for oscillatory movement in cutouts or spaces provided in upper and lower co-operating bars.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a one-piece stop which is provided with a springy or yieldable end portion to permit the stop to be placed upon or removed from its co-operating rib holding bar; said stops adapted to be moved from inoperative to operative position by the depression of a key, some of the stops 0 being provided with an extension thereon to permit selective manualmovement thereof.

Numerous other objects and advantages will be apparent throughout the progress of the following specification.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a selected embodiment of the invention and the views therein are as follows:

Fig. 1 is a detail end elevation of a typewriter, partly in section, and embodying the invention,

the section being taken on the line |-I of Fig. 4.

Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of the mechanism carrying housing showing the positioning and location of many of the operating elements for controlling and operating the stops.

Fig. 2a is a detail perspective view 01. brak mechanism for retarding the movement of the carriage during operation of the tabulator key.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a detailrear end elevation, partly in 5 section, the section being taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail top plan view.

Fig. 6 is a detail front elevational view showing the typewriter bar segment and the guiding or 1 gauge means for assisting the operator in setting the stops.

Fig. 7 is a detail vertical sectional view on the line 11 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view on the line 8-8 15 of Fig. 9, showing the improved one-piece stop and the supporting, guiding and limiting means therefor.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 5. 20

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view showing an improved stop in elevation and the manner in wolaich it is placed in position on its supporting r Fig. 11 is a view similar .to Fig. 10, but showing 25 the stop positioned on its supporting rod and in position between upper and lower bars.

- Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing an extension on the stop, the stop being in raised or normal inoperative position.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12. but showing the stop in its depressed or operative position.

The particular typewriter herein shown'for the purpose of illustration is that of the popular, well known Woodstock typewriter, although the invention is not confined to this particular make of typewriting machine. The typewriter or typewriting machine illustrated has a frame Ill upon which a carriage l I, having a platen (not shown) of usual construction, is mounted to move trans- 4o versely on the ways I3. A circular bar ll extends between the end plates I 5 of the platen carriage. This circular bar is rigidly attached to the end plates 15 and is held from rotation. A series of column stops it are Journaled on the bar 14 and 45 project rearwardly therefrom, as more clearly shown in Figs. '7 to 13. These colunm stops are arranged substantially throughout the entire length of the bar I4 and are spaced from one another by letter space distances. 50

Each column stop l5 comprises a metal body I! having a circular receiving opening or hole 18 provided therein through which the bar ll ex- 1 tends. The end IQ of the body is cut out, as

indicated at 20, and extends into the opening I8. 55

The body l1 of the stop I6 is also split or cut, as indicated at 2I, Figs. 10 to 13, thereby providing a free extending arm or end 22. The stop is preferably cut or stamped from metal and is hardened sufficiently so that the portion or leg 22 will be relatively springy and capable of spreading a predetermined distance so that it may he slipped over the rod I4, as clearly shown in Fig. 10. If desired, the stop I6 may be provided with an extension 23 which is integral with the body I1 and has a colored operating or finger piece 24 so that the stop may be manually shifted to position about the circular bar I4,

The stops I6 are movable either to an upward inoperative position, as shown in Figs. 8, 11 and 12, or to a downward operable or stop position, as

shown in Figs. '1 and 13. The upward and downward movement of the stop is limited by upper and lower bars 25 and 26, respectively, and lateral movement of each stop is prevented by these bars 25 and 26, because these bars are provided with cut-out notches or spaces 21 and 28 which are in alinement and in which the stops I6 operate. The stops I6 are held in either of their adjusted positions by means of a tooth 29 formed on the extension or leg 22 of each stop which co-operates with and is adapted to engage the opposite sides of a rib 38 formed on the circular bar I4. Due to the pivoted and yielding connection of each stop I6 with the bar I4, stops may be easily and readily removed and applied. Because of the positioning of each stop in the alined slots 21 and 28 in the bars 25 and 26 respectively, the stops are held in either of their adjusted positions depending upon which side the tooth 29 lies with respect to the ridge 39. When a stop I6 is moved from one of its adjusted positions to another the tooth 29 will snap over the rib 39 and hold the stop in its new adjusted position. When a stop is in its lower position, it will engage the bottom of the slot 28, while when it is in its upper position it will engage the bottom of the slot 21. The stops I6 are always in engagement with both of the bars 25 and 26, and upward and downward as well as lateral movement of the stop is limited by these bars.

The bars 25 and 26 extend longitudinally of the carriage and in juxtaposition with respect to the bar I4, as clearly shown in Figs. 7 to 13, inclusive. The bar 26 is positioned slightly to the rear of the longitudinal bar I4, as more clearly shown in Fig. 11, and is pivotally supported as each end by brackets 3|, Fig. '1, which are joumaled on the bar I4 and secured to the bar 26 in any convenient manner, such as by screws 32, Fig. 5. One of the brackets 3I, Fig. '7, is provided with a finger piece 33 by which the bracket may be oscillated on the shaft I 4 to raise the bar 26. A stop pin 34, Fig. 7, is adapted to engage a projection or tongue 35, Fig. 7, to limit the movement of the finger piece 33 in one direction. A stop 36 is fixed to a rigid part of the machine and limits the movement of the finger piece in the other direction. A coiled spring 31 engages the finger piece and urges the finger piece in a predetermined position toward the left, Fig. 7. When the finger piece 33 is operated the bar 26 will be swung on its pivot and cause all the stops I6, which are in the down position, as shown in Figs. 7 and 13, to be moved up to their normal inoperative position, as shown in Figs. 8, 11 and 12. When the finger piece 33 is released, the spring 31 will return the bar to its normal position, as shown in Figs-7 and 11 to 13, inclusive.

A finger 38 is provided for selectively depressing any stop I 6 to its lower or operative position. This finger is best shown in Fig. 2, and is rigidly connected to a bar or rod 39 which is slidable vertically in a casing 49 rigidly fixed to the rear part of the typewriter. The end M of the rod or lever 39 is guided in a slot 42 in the housing 40, Fig. 4. A crank or arm 43, Figs. 1 and 2, is pivotally connected at 44 to the rod 39, and this crank or arm is rigidly connected to a pin or stud shaft 45 which is pivotally mounted in the rigid arms 46 of a bracket 41. The arms 48 and bracket 41 are rigidly fixed to a part of the housing 48. A second crank arm 48 is rigidly fixed to the shaft 45, Fig. 2, and is pivotally connected at 49 to a double adjustable link 50, adjustably connected together at 5|, Fig. 2. A key lever 52, having a key 53, is pivotally connected to the link 50 at 54, Fig. 2. Thus, whenthe key 53 is depressed, the link 50 will move to the right, Fig. 2, turning the shaft 45 in a. counter-clockwise direction, causing the crank arm 43 to lower and move the arm or rod 39 downwardly, and causing the finger 38 to depress a stop I6, the stop moving from the position shown in Figs. 8 and 11 to the position shown in Fig. 7. The arm or rod 39 is provided with a slot 55 through which a pin 56, Fig. 2, extends for supporting the rod 39 in properposition and preventing lateral shifting thereof. A spring 51 is connected to the member 39 and urges the member 39, and consequently the finger 38, into its normal upward position.

The typewriter herein shown includes certain escapement mechanism, Fig. 4, which includes an escapement bar 68 having teeth which mesh with an escapement wheel 6I, Fig. 4. A shoe 62 is operated by the depression of a key whereby the escapement bar 60 is swung out of engagement with the wheel 6|, permitting the spring controlled carriage feeding mechanism. 63 to move the carriage. The shoe 62 is mounted on a lever 64, which is pivoted to a part of the frame, as indicated at 65, Fig. 4. A lever or link 66 is pivotally connected to the lever or arm 64, as indicated at 61, Figs. 2 and 4. This lever or link 66 is operatively connected to a tabulator key lever 68 having a tabulator key 69, Fig. 2. Thus, when the tabulator key 69 is depressed, the lever 64 will be swung on its pivot 65, raising the shoe .62 which, in turn, shifts the bar 68 to free it from the wheel 6| and permits the carriage to be moved by the carriage return spring mechanism 63. The depression 0 the tabulator key 69 will permit the spring meclianism 63, however, to move the carriage the distance between stops I6, which stops I6 become engaged by a stop member 10, more clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The

stop member 19 comprises a rod or bar 1I slidable vertically in the casing 48. This member 10 is provided with a slot 12 through which the rod or pin 56 extends for holding the rod in proper operable position. The end 13 of this rod is guided in the end or'bottom of the casing, as indicated at 14, Fig. 3. A pin 15 is fastened to the rod 1 I, Fig. 2, and is held in its down position by means of the spring 51. This spring has its other end connected to a pin 16 which is fastened to the rod or bar 39, Fig. 2. The lower end of the rod 1| is pivotally connected to a cross bar or pin 11, Fig. 2, which is supported by a U-shaped bracket or yoke 18. The U-shaped yoke 18 is mounted on a shaft 19 supported by the bracket 41. A link 88, Fig. 2, is pivotally connected to an arm 8I of the yoke 18, as indicated at 82. The upper end of this link is connected at 83 to an arm 84 which is pivoted at 85 to the pivoted bar or link 84, Fig. 2. Thus, when the tabulator key 89 is depressed to cause the lever 84 to swing on its pivot 85, the shoe 82 will free the escapement mechanism and the arm 84 will be raised, causing the yoke 18 to swing on its pivot shaft I8 and raise thefree end of the bracket and the connecting stud shaft or pin 11. when the supporting-pin 11 is raised, naturally the connecting arm II and the rigidly attached stop member 18 will be raised." Therefore, when the tabulator key 88 is depressed, the carriage will move to the left until a. stop l6 engages the stop member 18.

It is preferable that the speed of movement of the carriage be retarded when the tabulator key is operated and, therefore, brake means are provided to accomplish this result. The brake means comprise a friction brake shoe 88, Fig. 2a.,

which is adapted to engage the side of the casing 81 in which the carriage return mechanism 88 is housed. This brake shoe is rigidly connected to a bracket 88 which is pivotally mounted on the shaft 19. A spring 89 is interposed between the bracket 88 and an arm 98 rigidly fastened to the'yoke 18, Fig. 2a. The brake shoe 86 is normally out of engagement with the housing 81, but when the tabulator key 89 is depressed and the yoke 18 is operated on its pivot, the bracket 88 will consequently be operated simultaneously with the yoke 18 because it is rigidly connected thereto by the bar 98. Thus the bracket 88 will move with the yoke 18 and cause the brake shoe 88 to contact with the housing 81. However, the contact of the brake shoe with the housing is relatively slight because it yieldingly engages the housing because of the spring connection 89.

Operation During operation of the machine the stops l6 may be lowered to stop or tabulator position in any position desired by depressing the key 68. The depression of the key 53 will lower the finger 38 and cause a stop It to be depressed. when the tabulator key 89 is depressed the stop member 10 will be raised into the path of the stop on the carriage and hold the carriage at this position. However, the depression of the tabulator key 69 will cause the brake mechanism to operate to retard the movement of the carriage by the carriage spring mechanism 63.

The typewriter carries the usual graduated front bar 9|, Fig. 6, which is fixed to the carriage and co-operates with an indicator 92 carried by the type bar segment 93, whereby the operator, can change the position of the stops. The usual graduated bar-'94 is also provided for determining the margins, there being margin release stops 95 operating on a toothed rod 96 in the usual manner. The upper bar 25, Figs. 9 and 11, is provided with graduations or indications 91, Fig. 5, whereby the operator can readily ascertain the positioning of the stops l6. Furthermore, the graduations on the bar 25 permit the operator to accurately set such stops as are provided with the handles or knobs 24. Therefore, the

which time the operator may quickly operate the stops carrying the knobs 24 manually to return the stops to the normal routine spacing.

The invention provides a new and improved one-piece resilient stop which can be readily and instantly removed or applied, the stops being capable of being operated by the depression of a tively arranged in a housing fixed to the exterior of the typewriter at the rear face thereof. Brake means are provided to retard the speed of the return movement of the carriage, and particular mechanism is provided for controlling the escapement mechanism, the brake mechanism, and the key lever construction for governing the stop depressor and the stop member.

One form of stop and means for operating the stop is disclosed and claimed in applicant's copending application, Serial No. 22,299, Patent No. 2,122,614 issued July 5, 1938, filed concurrently herewith. The particular stop shown in the aforesaid application is also applicable for application to the structure shown in Patent No. 1,929,976, issued October 10, 1933, to Otto A. Hokanson and James F. Koca.

In applicants other co-pending application, Serial No. 22,301, Patent No. 2,111,862, issued March 22, 1938 filed concurrently herewith, a manual stop depressing element slidable on the upper bar 25 is disclosed and claimed.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

' 1. A typewriter having a carriage and a tabulator stop mechanism mounted on said carriage, said tabulator stop mechanism comprising a longitudinally channelled circular rod rigidly mounted on the carriage, a first and second rectangular bar, both being rigidly mounted on said carriage, the first bar being disposed perpendicularly above the channelled rod, the second bar being disposed a predetermined distance horizontally away from the channelled rod, the first rod being provided with a plurality of transverse slots extending perpendicularly upwardly from the bottom surface thereof a predetermined distance, said second bar being provided with a plulongitudinal translation along the rod b) \.n-

gagement with a predetermined slot on the first bar, said stop member being removable from said .rod only in a predetermined position by springing said spring element over the rod.

2. A typewriter comprising a shiftable carriage, three spaced rods carried by the carriage, a. pinrality of resiliently held stops carried by one rod and movable thereabout in a path intersecting the other rods, said other rods constituting limiting arrest means to determine the positioning of the stops in active and inactive position respectively, and means for moving said stops from their position adjacent one rod to a position adj-acent the other rod.

3. A typewriter comprising a stop supporting bar, a plurality of removable stops pivoted on said bar, each stop comprising integral spring means to hold it removably on the bar, and two slotted rods juxtaposed with respect to the bar, the slots in the rod being in alinement, said stops being movable in the alined slots.

4, A typewriter comprising a stop supporting bar, a plurality of removable stops pivoted on said bar, each stop comprising spring means to hold it removably on the bar two slotted rods juxtaposed with respect to the bar, the slots in the rods being in alinement, said stops being movable in the alined slots, and means for shifting said stops.

5. A typewriter comprising a carriage, a stop supporting bar on the carriage, a pair of spaced rods carried by the carriage and arranged in juxtaposition with respect'to the bar, said rods having spaced slots in alinement with each other, and a plurality of stops pivoted on said bar, each stop having spring means to position it on the bar and adapted for movement between the alined slots from a predetermined position near one rod to a predetermined position near the other rod.

6. A typewriter comprising a carriage, a stop supporting bar on the carriage, a pair of spaced rods carried by the carriage and arranged in juxtaposition with respect to the bar, said rods having spaced slots in alinement with each other, a plurality of stops pivoted on said bar, each stop having spring means to position it on the bar and adapted for movement between the alined slots from a predetermined position near one rod to a predetermined position near the other rod, and a key lever to move a stop from one of said predetermined positions to the other when pressed.

'7. A typewriter comprising a carriage, a stop supporting bar on the carriage, a pair of spaced rods carried by the carriage and arranged in juxtaposition with respect to the bar, said rods each having spaced slots in alinement with each other, a plurality of stops pivoted on the bar and. resiliently maintained in position and adapted for movement between said alined slots from a predetermined position adjacent one rod to a predetermined position adjacent the other rod, and extensions on the stops for individually moving the stops from one of said positions to the other of said positions.

8. A typewriter comprising a shiftable carriage, three spaced rods carried by the carriage, and a plurality of stops carried by one rod and movable between the other rods, the said other rods constituting limiting arresting means to determine the positioning of the stops in active and inactive position respectively.

9. A typewriter comprising a shiftable carriage, three spaced rods carried by the carriage, a plurality of stops carried by one rod and movable between the other rods, the said other rods constituting limiting arresting means to determine the positioning of the stops in active and inactive position respectively, and spring catch means on the stops and cooperating with grooves on the first named rod to maintain the stops in said active and inactive position against the respective rods.

10. A typewriter comprising a shiftable carriage, three spaced rods carried by the carriage, one of said rods being shiftably supported on said carriage for movement relative to the other two of said rods, a plurality of stops carried by one rod and movable between the other rods, the said other rods constituting limiting arresting means to determine the active and inactive positions respectively of said stops, and means for shifting said shiftably supported rod simultaneously to move the stops from one of said positions to the other of said positions.

11. A typewriter comprising a shiftable carriage, three spaced rods carried by the carriage,

one of said rods being shiftably supported on said carriage for movement relative to the other two of said rods, a plurality of stops carried by one rod and movable between the other rods, the said other rods constituting limiting arresting means to determine the active and inactive positions respectively of said stops, means for shifting said shiftably supported rod simultaneously to move the stops from one of said positions to the other of said positions, and selectively operable means for individually moving said stops from one of said positions to the other of said positions.

JAMES F. KOCA. 

